But he’s not a kid from Georgia anymore. White was the driving force behind Michigan State’s 27-24 win over No. 13 Michigan, the first win of Mel Tucker’s career at MSU.

That driving force came in the form of eight catches, 196 receiving yards and a touchdown. His yardage total is tied for No. 7 all time in MSU history for a single game — with Andre Rison.

“I just want to give huge credit to Rocky,” White said, almost humbly.

When MSU needed big plays most, he came through. It was a different game plan than the Rutgers game, MSU consistently attacked a U-M secondary that struggled with White and Jalen Nailor for much of the game. 

A week after star transfer Jayden Reed had 11 catches and two touchdowns, the other new guy played hero.

Before kick, White only had one catch for five yards to his name.

After, he cemented himself in the history of a storied rivalry with one of the best games, statistically, by a wide receiver in MSU program history.

“Coaches have been on us all week about this rivalry,” White said. “Coach Hawk (Courtney Hawkins), my position coach, I really wanted to play all out for him really. This rivalry is a special rivalry.”

Tucker’s response when he was asked if White’s performance surprised him was simple.

“Not at all.”

“He’s done a good job in practice, I remember him in high school when we saw him as a player and thought he was an outstanding player,” Tucker said. “Guys who step on the field on gameday, step on the field because of what they do in practice. We’ve seen him make plays, we were not surprised.”

White was the recipient of a constant attack through the air. Lombardi only had 17 completions, but had 323 yards passing.

“Slick Rick” did it in a multitude of ways, too. He had a deep ball to start his day, an acrobatic catch inside the five yard line that helped seal the game.

He had catches of 15, 30, 31, 40 and 50 yards. It’s evident that the kid can play, even in a crowded wide receiver room.

“Just trying to make plays,” White said.

Few times do freshmen look that good on the biggest stage. The play of White, alongside with the rest of MSU’s skill positions, showed how good those groups can be.

“We feed off each other,” White said.

For him, it proves how good this team can be. Resilience is something that comes to mind. 

“Great win for us, defense played a great game, offense played lights out. It was just a great game on both sides,” White said. “I feel like we wanted it, coach has been on us all week about this game. Just focused on coming out the tunnel.”

White said he knew he would have to play a bigger role. He said that Tre Mosley, who was injured last week against Rutgers, dressed, wanted him to play for him.

The Spartans team is a family, White said, they proved that today.